Roman Reigns returns on WWE SmackDown
Credit: WWE.comWWE SmackDown advertised two qualifying matches to become No. 1 Contender for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The Street Profits faced A-Town Down Under and DIY faced Pretty Deadly. SmackDown also advertised Santos Escobar vs. Andrade to become No. 1 Contender for the United States Championship and an LA Knight US Title Celebration.
Last week’s broadcast of SmackDown garnered 2.179 million viewers.
WWE SmackDown Results On August 9, 2024
- The Street Profits def. A-Town Down Under | No. 1 Contender’s Qualifier
- Jade Cargill def. Alba Fyre
- Santos Escobar def. Andrade | No. 1 Contender’s Match for US Title
- DIY def. Pretty Deadly | No. 1 Contender’s Qualifier
WWE SmackDown Ratings
- August 2, 2024 | 2.179 million
- July 26, 2024 | 2.058 million
- July 19, 2024 | 2.313 million
- July 12, 2024 | 2.355 million
- July 5, 2024 | 2.256 million
WWE SmackDown Ticket Sales
- WWE SmackDown Venue: BOK Center (Tulsa, OK)
- WWE SmackDown Tickets Distributed: 10,099
- WWE SmackDown Tickets Available: 503
WWE SmackDown Winners And Grades
Cody Rhodes Challenges Kevin Owens
Solo Sikoa, flanked by the Guerrillas of Destiny (and no Jacob Fatu) interrupted Cody Rhodes’ opening address. They threatened to attack Rhodes, but Kevin Owens joined Rhodes with a steel chair. Solo said he was going to handle Rhodes and Owens after he found Roman Reigns.
After their tense exchange with The Bloodline, Cody Rhodes challenged Kevin Owens to a WWE Championship match at Bash in Berlin. Rhodes had the delivery of somebody asking their crush to prom.
Though Kevin Owens declined Cody’s challenge, fans changed “y0u deserve it!” and Rhodes said he was going to convince Nick Aldis to grand Owens a title shot. I smell a KO heel turn coming.
WWE SmackDown Opening Segment Grade: B
The Street Profits Def. A-Town Down Under
The Street Profits (and B-Fab) cut a promo backstage before this match, setting themselves up as the No. 1 Contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships. I expect A-Town Down to finally break up sometime after this match, though I do not expect the Street Profits to regain the WWE Tag Titles.
Despite Austin Theory’s SmackDown-themed tights, the Street Profits won this match with a super Blockbuster.
Backstage, Nick Aldis swindled Kevin Owens into making his case as No. 1 Contender. Aldis said he was considering giving the opportunity to Roman Reigns, and Owens lost it, saying he deserves it more than Roman. Aldis obliged.
Street Profits vs. A-Town Down Under Grade: B
Jade Cargill Def. Alba Fyre
Fans chanted “let’s go Jade” as the match got underway. This was a hot crowd that was up for every babyface.
After a flurry of offense from Alba Fyre, Jade answered with a tilt-a-whirl slam followed by Jaded for the win.
Jade and Bianca were ambushed by Blair Davenport, but Naomi evened the odds.
Jade Cargill vs. Alba Fyre Grade: B-
LA Knight US Title Celebration; Andrade Vs. Santos Escobar
Santos Escobar had a promo exchange with LA Knight before this match. There was a lot of heat for Escobar.
Lou Ferrigno was shown in the crowd rooting for LA Knight.
LA Knight awkwardly wore the US Title around his waist even though he was wearing street clothes, but he made it work.
Andrade has been having stealing one show after another, week after week.
Carmelo Hayes interfered, costing Andrade the match. I need a Best of 7 series.
Andrade vs. Santos Escobar Grade: B+
DIY Def. Pretty Deadly
DIY cut a promo prior to heading to the ring in a single-shot moment.
Of all the great things WWE is doing right now, its letting down its uber-talented tag team division. The division is filled with great teams that have great matches, but is lacking on storylines.
The biggest moment of underrated comedy on this show was Kit Wilson dragging Elton Prince’s limp body out of the ring after a hard-fought victory from DIY.
DIY vs. Pretty Deadly Grade: B+
Roman Reigns Returns
Solo Sikoa said if Roman Reigns wanted his tribal beads back, he should come get it from him. This brought out Reigns to a huge pop, and the confirmation that “OTC” stands for “Original Tribal Chief.” Fans chanted “OTC” as Reigns attacked the Guerrillas of Destiny with steel steps.
Fans exploded when Reigns hit Solo with a Superman Punch. They were ready to melt for a Spear, but Tanga Loa saved Solo by pulling him out of the ring.
Roman got his hands on the sacred Ula Fala, but Reigns was once again attacked by The Bloodline. Reigns fended them off, capped off by a Spear to Tanga Loa. Reigns sent the fans into a frenzy with a Spear on Tama Tonga through the barricade. Reigns destroyed the Guerrillas of Destiny with a steel chair as Sikoa absconded with the Ula Fala. It’s crazy that sentimental items like Tribal beads and CM Punk’s friendship bracelet feel more important than the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, but it’s true.
Roman Reigns Return Grade: A
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